Spacewalking Tools
Specially adapted tools allow astronauts to perform critical tasks in space, such as when performing maintenance on the International Space Station or to collect lunar samples on future missions to the Moon.
Spacewalking tools play an essential role in an astronaut’s ability to perform maintenance on the International Space Station during a spacewalk or help them collect lunar samples while they are exploring the surface of the Moon. These tools have not only helped astronauts keep the space station operating continuously for over two decades, but will be a vital component to successfully conduct scientific research during Artemis missions.
Quick Facts
Apollo astronauts used geology tools to collect and bring back over 800 pounds of lunar samples during the Apollo program.
Tools have been used on every spacewalk at the International Space Station since the first one was conducted in December 1998.
New lunar geology tools are being developed and tested to support lunar science goals for the Artemis program.
Learn More and Get Involved
Micro-G NExT
Micro-g Neutral Buoyancy Experiment Design Teams encourages undergraduate students to design, build and test a tool or device that addresses an authentic, current space exploration challenge. The challenge includes hands-on engineering design, test operations and public outreach. Test operations are conducted in a simulated microgravity environment at NASA’s Johnson Space Center Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in Houston, Texas.
NASA Explorers: Space School
Tools designed for Earth geologists may not work in the lower gravity and extreme temperatures of the Moon, and that’s before you bring in the bulky spacesuits! NASA Explorers come together at space school to train astronauts to conduct science on the Moon.
NASA Explorers: Moon Rocks
Using tiny samples of lunar rock brought back by Apollo astronauts, these NASA Explorers are looking into the origins of our Moon, our planet, and ourselves. They might be among the first scientists to study samples from the Moon’s South Pole that will be delivered to Earth by Artemis astronauts.
NASA Explorers: The South Pole
Why is the Moon’s South Pole an ideal location for exploration? And how will human missions to the South Pole region help answer lingering science questions and prepare NASA for missions to Mars?
NASA Explorers: We Are the Artemis Generation
From hazardous kitchen experiments in Peru to adventures on the Louisiana Bayou, these explorers took varied paths to NASA. Now, they’re working to get us to the Moon, collect Moon rocks, and ensure that we can study them for years to come.
NASA Prepares to Explore Moon: Spacesuits, Tools
Preparing to explore the surface of the Moon goes well beyond designing and building safe spacecraft and spacesuits. NASA also has to ensure the surface vehicles and suits have the mobility required to do science, and that astronauts have the tools they need to identify and scoop up rock and soil samples.
NASA Prepares to Explore the Moon: Spacesuits, Tools
Preparing to explore the surface of the Moon goes well beyond designing and building safe spacecraft and spacesuits. NASA also has to ensure the surface vehicles and suits have the mobility required to do science, and that astronauts have the tools they need to identify and scoop up rock and soil samples. Additionally, NASA astronauts are trained in geology, spending countless hours practicing doing science at locations on Earth that resemble regions they might see on the Moon. All this is done in an effort to establish a long-term presence on the Moon and to help answer some outstanding science questions about the history of Earth and of the solar system.
Podcast Episodes on Spacewalking Tools
Artemis Moon Tools
On Episode 155 of Houston We Have a Podcast, Trevor Graff and Adam Naids, Project Manager for exploration science and Deputy Project Manager for Artemis geology tools, respectively, share their expertise on the tools needed for the Moon’s unique terrain when we visit our neighboring satellite during Artemis missions. This episode was recorded on June 24, 2020.
Houston We Have a Podcast
From Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars, explore the world of human spaceflight with NASA each week on the official podcast of the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Listen to in-depth conversations with the astronauts, scientists and engineers who make it possible.
View Series
Spacewalking Tools on the International Space Station
Exploration Tools for Artemis and Beyond
Print your own 3D Apollo 17 Geology Tools
Now you can 3D print your very own display-quality replicas of the Apollo 17 lunar geology tools used by astronaut and geologist Harrison Schmitt! 50 years ago NASA designed tools specifically for the Apollo 17 mission to collect rock and soil samples from the moon. These are 6 of the tools that were essential to carrying out mission geology objectives and making groundbreaking discoveries on the Moon.
Drive Tube
The drive tube was a cylindric tool driven into the lunar soil to collect a soil column. Geologists call this a core sample.
Extension Handle
Extension handles were attached to other geology tools to extend an astronaut’s reach and help them perform sampling operations while standing.
Hammer
The hammer was used to break chip sample from rocks and drive the drive tube into the lunar soil.
Rake
The rake was used to gather pebbles by separating small rocks from the fine grain particles in the lunar soil.
Tongs
Tongs were used for picking up individual lunar rocks. The tong's jaws opened to retrieve a rock and clamped together to securely hold it until the astronaut was ready to place the sample in a bag.
